Debuting on the PlayStation 2 all the way back in 2001, the World Rally Championship series has been a subtle staple of the racing genre ever since. While it may not be quite as popular as the likes of Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, World Rally Championship has managed to stick in the game for over two decades, and for good reason. Boasting remarkably smooth and responsive controls, and offering some incredibly polished visuals and sound design, WRC has always been the best rally car franchise around, and the upcoming WRC Generations looks to be a celebration of that history.
Releasing November 3, WRC Generations is the seventh and final WRC title from Kylotonn, the developer who has helmed the series since 2015. With seven years of experience under its belt, it seems as though WRC Generations may be the best the developer has to offer, and early reviews for the game are glowing. Last year's entry, WRC 10, introduced an Anniversary Mode that quickly became a fan-favorite feature, and luckily for fans, that mode is making a triumphant return in WRC Generations.
WRC Generations' Anniversary Mode
Along with all the usual racing modes the franchise always offers, WRC 10 introduced a brand-new mode to the mix. Fittingly named Anniversary Mode - as the game is launching on the 10th anniversary of the franchise and just a few years off the 50th anniversary of the World Championship Rally - this extra mode sees players jump into a variety of timed challenges, all themed after iconic real-world historical races in the WRC.
Anniversary Mode in WRC 10 added a slew of classic rally vehicles to the game, each of which controlled significantly different from the game's modern day offerings. Along with the historic cars, WRC 10 also ensured that each challenge was full of authentic details, from the weather conditions, to the apparel of the crowd, all the way down to the sponsors that actually hosted each event. And to top it all off, when players start up one of these historical rallies, they take control of the iconic champion of that race, featuring famous faces like Tommi Makinen, and Colin McRae.
WRC 10 offered 12 historical rallies, and just over 20 historical challenges, taking players across the globe, from Greece to Italy to New Zealand. However, while WRC 10's Anniversary Mode was one of its best features, it wasn't without its faults. WRC 10's Anniversary Mode challenges were extremely difficult, requiring players to beat the track in an unforgiving timeframe. The lack of any difficulty settings pushed some fans away from WRC 10's Anniversary Mode, but thankfully, WRC Generations seems to be fixing this issue.
WRC Generations' Anniversary Mode looks to be improving upon its predecessor in every conceivable way. For a start, WRC Generations' Anniversary Mode offers even more classic cars than its predecessor, offering a staggering 37 iconic vehicles spanning the last five decades of the WRC. More legendary drivers have also been added to the roster, along with their vehicles and all the accompanying livery. WRC Generations' Anniversary Mode features more challenges and rallies than its predecessor and seems as though it'll be much more balanced and fair than WRC 10's version of the mode. Paired with WRC Generations' improved visuals, these historic tracks, drivers, and vehicles are all going to look phenomenal. For any long-time fans of the World Racing Championship, this year's Anniversary Mode is sure to be a real highlight of WRC Generations.
WRC Generations releases November 3 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.